What should a pilot do when encountering an icing hazard?

When encountering an icing hazard, the appropriate action for a pilot is to descend to warmer temperatures well above freezing. Ice accumulation on an aircraft can significantly affect its performance and safety, leading to issues such as increased drag, loss of lift, and potential control problems. Therefore, flying into warmer air is a common strategy to mitigate icing.

In warmer conditions, the chances of ice forming on the aircraft diminish since liquid precipitation can exist rather than freezing rain or snow. By descending to this temperature zone, pilots can avoid the conditions conducive to icing, allowing them to maintain control of the aircraft and ensure a safer flight.

While other strategies, such as climbing to colder temperatures or returning to the departure airport, might seem viable, they do not effectively address the immediate danger posed by icing. Climbing to colder temperatures would likely exacerbate the situation by exposing the aircraft to conditions that sustain or increase ice accumulation. Maintaining a constant altitude does not alter the potential icing conditions and, therefore, does not provide a solution.